Macy Gray and Miz Cracker to Perform; Brad Goreski to Host Seattle’s Inaugural Pride Celebration Benefiting Lifelong
SEATTLE — May 12, 2026 — Lifelong, a leading community health organization providing critical access to nutritious food, lifesaving medications, aging and disability services, HIV care, and stable housing, today announced that the organization will honor Laverne Cox and Chris Olsen during their upcoming Pride Gala, and Jake Shears will perform. The gala will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Downtown Seattle and raise funds for Lifelong and Seattle Pride.
Seattle-native Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters will deliver a special performance during the evening, joining previously announced performers Macy Gray and Miz Cracker. The evening will be hosted by celebrity stylist and television personality Brad Goreski.
“For me, queer joy is the definition of Pride, so I am thrilled to return to Seattle and support a hometown legacy nonprofit that is making a difference in the lives of over 8,000 Washingtonians,” said Jake Shears. “I’ve always tried to bring queer culture into the mainstream in a way that feels joyful and unapologetic, and I think a Pride event like this gives the community a chance to celebrate itself in a bigger, more elevated way.”
“Seattle has long been a city that champions inclusion, creativity and advocacy, and this event reflects the vibrancy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community while also recognizing the urgent work still ahead,” said James Shackelford, CEO of Lifelong. “Lifelong has been a champion for equality and access for 43 years and we’re thrilled to welcome such an extraordinary group of talent, advocates, and supporters to help launch one of Seattle’s signature Pride celebrations and raise critical funds for essential health, HIV, housing and food programs.”
The gala will honor Laverne Cox with the Lifelong Pride in Action Award, recognizing her trailblazing advocacy and cultural impact advancing LGBTQ+ representation. Lifelong will also honor Chris Olsen with the LGBTQ+ Changemaker of the Year Award, recognizing his leadership and work amplifying queer voices and advancing equality.
“Pride is about community, visibility, and collective action, and I’m honored to be part of a night that celebrates all three,” said Laverne Cox. “I’m grateful that my commitment to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and stories resonates with my community, and I thank Lifelong for recognizing the impact this work has made..”
“It’s amazing that showing up as my most authentic self to millions of people around the world has created space for conversation, visibility, and understanding among the LGBTQ+ community,” said Chris Olsen. “Pride has always been a celebration of acceptance and showing up for one another, and I think the work Lifelong is doing to support people in the community every day embodies that spirit in such an authentic way.”
The creative black-tie evening will feature a cocktail reception, a seated 3-course dinner, a live auction curated by Seattle Art Source Gallery, an award celebration, and performances celebrating Pride and raising critical funds for Lifelong and Seattle Pride.
Proceeds from the evening support Lifelong’s vision of Health For All, helping provide nutritious meals and food access, housing stability, medical case management, and essential support services for more than 8,200 people across Washington state. Lifelong is also proud to include Seattle Pride’s Youth Programs as a beneficiary, supporting opportunities for LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 12 to 18 with access to affirming spaces and meaningful leadership.
About Lifelong Health For All
Lifelong is a community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible to all. Born out of the AIDS crisis, Lifelong has spent decades delivering medically tailored meals, helping people navigate long-term care, ensuring access to life-saving medication, and connecting people facing housing instability to the support they need. For more information, visit Lifelong.org.
For ticket and table information, please visit PrideGala.org.
Event Produced by JWP
